Piggie weights?

[Skelly]

Hiya everyone,
So I have just started weighing my piggies, I have only done it twice so far, over a month. I was wondering whether this is good weight gain?

Daisy:
30/08/11- 775g
30/09/11- 850g

Minnow:
30/08/11- 375g
30/09/11- 550g


Daisy is 5 months old and Minnow is around 3 months old.

Thanks x>>
Jess.

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, they are both well within the normal range.

Please be aware that the growth rate starts to slow down between 6-9 months old, but that the full adult weight won't be reached until 12-15 months old. An average adult weight seems to be between 900g-1400g.

 

[flintstones]

There is no right or wrong weight for a Guinea Pig what you are looking for is a pattern (weightloss)., generally you can allow for a drop in 30 grams but anything more you should be weighing daily and seeking Vet treatment if necessary.

 

[Skelly]

Thanks Wiebke, you're brilliant!

 

[Wiebke]

As you can see, the growth margins are so wide that it is frankly impossible to give you weight charts - with a good normal diet, your piggies will have plenty of time to grow to their very own ideal weight!

However, as flintstones has pointed out, it is important to weigh your piggies weekly rather monthly, not so much to control the weight gain rate but to check on early signs of sudden big or creeping slow weight loss throughout the whole life of your piggies. The sooner you can react, the better the survival chances of your piggies.
http://www.guinealynx.info/weigh.html

You can start to very slowly reduce the amount of pellets you offer when Minnow's growth rate is starting to slow down. Fully grown adult piggies only need about 1/2 -1 handful of pellets a day.